Robert Tilford Colgan Jr.

Former Mancos resident Robert Tilford Colgan Jr., died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 73.

Known as “Bob,” he was born to Marie Sanford Castleman and Robert Tilford Colgan on Aug. 8, 1939, in Louisville, Ky. He grew up in Anchorage, Ky.

In 1960, he married Mary Clark in Louisville.

Mr. Colgan built a successful career in the commercial paper business in Decatur, Ill. In 1971, the Colgan family moved to Southwest Colorado, where Mr. Colgan realized his dream of being a cowboy.

For 35 years, the Colgans operated Colgan Livestock in Mancos, just west of Durango. Mr. Colgan also owned and ran a real estate brokerage company, Southwest Associates, in Durango.

His lifelong love of horses resulted in years of training, breeding and successfully competing on cutting horses, his family said.

After selling the ranch in 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Colgan became permanent residents of Scottsdale. Volunteering became a passion for Mr. Colgan and involvement in horseback riding therapy for disabled children and adults through Horses Help, as well as dog therapy for hearing-impaired children, were among his favorites. Mr. and Mrs. Colgan had been active members of Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church in Cave Creek for 18 years.

He enjoyed fly-fishing, playing golf, traveling, spending time with his beloved grandchildren and participating in agility events with his dog, Boss.